The Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale is battling for fitness ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match at Liverpool after the club announced he is suffering from a buttock muscle injury. (The Guardian) CSKA Moscow have vowed to exploit Manchester City’s “very weak” defence as the Russian club branded as unfair their latest punishment for the racist actions of their supporters. (The Times) Harry Redknapp’s criticism of Adel Taarabt after Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool was sparked in part by the Moroccan international walking out of a pre-match team meeting when he was not named in the team or on the bench for the game. (The Independent) Sir Alex Ferguson threatened to sack his Manchester United players after their 2008 Champions League triumph, Patrice Evra has revealed. (Daily Mail) ENGLAND hopeful Saido Berahino struck again for West Brom as the Baggies earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Manchester United at the Hawthorns. (The Express) Rory McIlroy has stunned golf by revealing that he is taking a break from the game to prepare for his forthcoming court battle with a former management company. (The Telegraph)